As the inhabitants of Buckie (a small Scottish fishing town) prepared to start their day on the 14^th September, six walkers were getting ready to embark on an ambitious trip that would take them from the Moray Firth to the Cairngorms National Park. Their challenge? To complete the first six sections of the Speyside Way in six days!

These enthusiastic hikers had all travelled from far and wide to join this epic adventure – from Germany, Minneapolis (USA) and even Brisbane (Australia)! – but the promise of the stunning Scottish landscape, through the heart of whisky country, wasn’t their only motivation. They were all undertaking this 77-mile trek to raise funds for Oxford Health Charity’s ROSY* Appeal.

Trip leader, Mark Wheeler, is the nephew of George Hedges who was Chair of our ROSY Appeal from 2007 and one of its greatest advocates and fundraisers until he sadly passed away in 2022. Through organising this Speyside Way challenge, Mark not only hoped to complete a long-time goal of walking the abandoned Scottish railway route but also to continue George’s fundraising legacy for ROSY. Mark explained:

“The work and purpose of ROSY is something that cannot be underestimated in any way. The comfort and care that ROSY provides families is simply heartwarming to all that benefit from its being.”

Having spent 18 months planning this fundraising challenge, enthusiasm was high as the group took their first steps out of Buckie. Ahead of them, a sun-drenched route lined with spectacular scenery that would see them visit Fochabers, Craigellachie, Ballindalloch, Grantown-on-Spey and Boat of Garten before finally arriving in Aviemore.

“24°C, perfect blue skies, and walking in shorts and T shirts. It was perfect!”

The Oxford Health Charity team would like to say a HUGE thank you to Mark, his son Lewis, and the rest of their walking party for choosing to undertake such an epic challenge in aid of our ROSY Appeal. Thanks to their remarkable efforts and support (and no doubt a few blisters!) they have raised an amazing £2000 which will make a substantial difference to families receiving respite care through our ROSY service.

Speaking to the Oxford Health Charity team afterwards, Mark reflected on his fondest memories from the trip…:

“Waking each morning to devour a fabulous full Scottish breakfast, the expectation of an unexplored landscape with fabulous weather and the inspiration to spend a day with dear friends and nature with no social media interruptions…”  

“The last day was a little sad to be honest - it was all over - we all wanted it to continue further. We had laughed, joked, smiled and learnt things we didn’t know about each other and seen some of the best landscapes the world can possibly offer.”

…and on what fundraising for ROSY has meant to him:

“It was truly a memory making experience and made so much more rewarding by being able to raise some funds for ROSY. Such a tremendous organisation providing wonderful support for those much worse off than I. I am proud to have been able to contribute…”

If you would like to make a contribution to Mark’s Speyside Way challenge, please visit his fundraising page: Walking for ROSY

*Since it was launched in 2002, our Respite for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters Appeal has been dedicated to delivering additional respite care to Oxfordshire's terminally ill, acute and chronically sick children, who are supported in their own homes. For parents and families, looking after their loved ones is a relentless 24/7 cycle of care. This is where Oxford Health Charity’s support through our ROSY Appeal comes in. Our appeal funds a team of caregivers (nurses and healthcare assistants) who provide direct care to the children. All ROSY activities enhance statutory NHS care and enable more children and their families to receive important support and respite care. Find out more: Respite for Oxfordshire’s Sick Youngsters (ROSY)

Our ROSY Appeal relies entirely on the fundraising support and generosity of the public. If you would like to help us continue to provide this vital respite service, please visit our ROSY donation page to donate online. And, if you’re a UK taxpayer, you can help even further by registering for Gift Aid which will enable us to claim an additional 25% – at no extra cost to you!